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DogTags to Ownership

DogTags to Ownership

By: Julie Austin and Matthew Cain
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About this listen

DogTags to Ownership is the podcast designed for military members and veterans ready to transition from service to success in business. Whether you’re considering entrepreneurship for the first time or are already on the path to business ownership, this show provides the tools, insights, and inspiration you need to thrive.


Hosted by U.S. Army Officers Julie Austin and Matthew Cain, we explore the unique strengths veterans bring to the entrepreneurial world, share actionable advice from experts, and feature inspiring stories of those who’ve successfully made the leap.


Tune in to transform your military experience into a foundation for innovation, resilience, and business leadership.


#DogTagsToOwnership #VeteranEntrepreneurs #MilitaryToBusiness #VeteranOwnedBusiness

© 2026 DogTags to Ownership
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Episodes
  • S2:E15: How a Marine Veteran Created the First Energizing Pain Reliever
    Apr 14 2026

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    Summary:

    In this episode, Marine veteran and entrepreneur Lee Ettinger shares his journey from military service to founding Power Plus Pain Aid. Discover insights on veteran transition, entrepreneurship, product development, and overcoming challenges in the health and wellness industry.

    Key Topics:

    • Veteran transition challenges
    • Entrepreneurship and business growth
    • Product development in health industry

    Chapters:

    1. 00:00 From Military Service to Entrepreneurship
    2. 12:41 Navigating the Transition: Challenges and Growth
    3. 20:44 The Birth of Power Plus Pain Aid
    4. 26:05 The Journey of Product Development
    5. 28:19 Building a Brand: From Concept to Market
    6. 30:38 Funding and Financial Strategies for Startups
    7. 31:58 The Importance of Team and Networking
    8. 32:15 Veteran Experiences and Mental Health Awareness
    9. 34:56 The Impact of Support Groups on Veterans
    10. 39:50 Navigating Civilian Life as a Veteran
    11. 40:12 Continuous Learning and Personal Development
    12. 42:06 The Discipline of Making Your Bed: Small Wins Matter

    Resources:

    Power Plus Pain Aid Website

    Use our DogTags to Ownership Discount Code at check out: DOGTAGS15




    Support the show

    Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

    X: @DTO_Podcast

    TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership

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    45 mins
  • S2:E14: From Marine to Maker: Building a Community-Driven Apparel Brand
    Apr 7 2026

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    Summary:

    In this episode, Mike Gnoffo shares his journey from Marine veteran to entrepreneur, detailing the founding of Exray, a custom apparel company serving military and first responder communities. He discusses lessons learned, challenges of scaling, and the importance of community and service in building a successful business.

    Key Topics:

    • Mike Gnoffo's military background and transition to entrepreneurship
    • The founding and growth of X-Ray, a custom apparel company
    • Challenges of scaling from custom orders to retail
    • The role of community and service in business success
    • Future vision for X-Ray and its impact on the community

    Chapters:

    1. 00:00 Introduction to Mike Naffo and His Journey
    2. 03:33 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
    3. 06:07 The Birth of X-Ray and Its Mission
    4. 08:13 Building a Custom Apparel Business
    5. 10:34 Growth and Challenges in the Business
    6. 13:04 The Importance of Community and Service
    7. 15:23 Retail Expansion and Lessons Learned
    8. 17:50 Product Quality and Brand Values
    9. 20:07 Partnerships and Future Endeavors
    10. 28:05 Building Community Through Partnerships
    11. 29:59 Navigating Profitability and Purpose
    12. 32:59 Vision for the Future: X-Ray's Growth
    13. 34:53 Daily Life of an Entrepreneur
    14. 34:59 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
    15. 36:00 Recommended Resources for Growth

    Resources:

    Shop Exray Now

    Grab your DogTags to Ownership Swag on Exray






    Support the show

    Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

    X: @DTO_Podcast

    TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • S2:E13: March Recap: Overcoming Adversity and Building Business
    Mar 31 2026

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    Summary:

    A comprehensive recap of March's episodes on veteran entrepreneurship, featuring insights from guests overcoming adversity, transitioning from military to business, and upcoming events like Military CreatorCon and DAV Patriot Bootcamp.

    Bonus Content One: Anna Redmond shares her journey from founding Hippo Reads to leading BRAAV, a mission-driven company transforming the private security industry with innovative technology. Discover how her initiatives preserve military challenge coins digitally, connect communities, and foster storytelling that honors service and valor.

    Bonus Content Two: Join us as we explore Military CreatorCon, a dynamic event connecting military veterans and creative entrepreneurs. Discover key speakers, networking opportunities, and how this conference fosters community, innovation, and business growth in the military-connected creative space.

    Key Topics:

    Overcoming hardship in military and business
    Transition from military service to entrepreneurship
    Resources and community support for veterans

    Chapters:
    March Recap Portion

    00:00 Introduction and March Recap
    03:39 Jason's Journey: From Military Injury to Business Success
    07:50 Nick Humble: Relentless in Security Entrepreneurship
    10:47 Special Episode: DAV Patriot Bootcamp Highlights
    15:19 Jim from UK: Military Readiness and Entrepreneurial Drive
    19:12 Community and Overcoming Struggles in Veteran Entrepreneurship

    Bonus Content One - Anna Redmond

    00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes
    03:17 The Mission of BRAV
    05:38 Investing and Entrepreneurship
    07:17 Challenge Coins and Their Significance
    12:25 Digital Challenge Coin Network
    19:08 Connecting Through Stories and Community

    Bonus Content Two - Marah Lago MCC

    00:00 Introduction to Military CreatorCon
    02:57 The Creative Economy and Community Building
    05:16 Keynote Speaker and Special Sessions
    08:06 Sponsorships and Community Support
    10:55 Conclusion and Call to Action

    Resources:
    DAV Patriot Bootcamp
    Anna Redmon Virtual Challenge Coin Program

    Military CreatorCon







    Support the show

    Visit our website: https://www.dogtags-to-ownership.com/

    Follow us on Social Media

    Instagram/Facebook/Threads: @dogtags_to_ownership

    X: @DTO_Podcast

    TikTok: @dogtags_to_ownership

    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
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